A picture of the Colosseum in Rome from the outside. In this case, the picture is symbolic of committing to something 100%: of being the "man in the arena."

The Top 10 Reasons to Commit 100% to Your Goals

Dave LabowitzPersonal Growth, Scale, Start

Are you 100% committed to your goals? A common topic that comes up for entrepreneurs during coaching is whether or not they’re committing 100% to their company and goals. From the outside this is counterintuitive. It seems that entrepreneurs commit 100%, just by nature of being entrepreneurs! In reality, though, commitment level fluctuates up and down over time. At times …

An image of a telescope aiming off into the great blue yonder. It's the type of telescope used on observation decks to look at the surroundings. In this case, the telescope is symbolic of vision.

What is a vision and why should you and your business have one?

Dave LabowitzPersonal Growth, Scale, Start

The first time someone told me I needed a vision for my business and life I rolled my eyes at them. To me, vision equaled fantasy. What was the point of imagining a pretty picture of the future if I didn’t know how to get there? I didn’t see the value without a map to get from point A to …

A cartoon picture of a student writing in a notebook. A large thought bubble hovers in front of his head saying "B-" in bold red letters.

The Top 12 Reasons to Stop Being a Perfectionist About Your Work

Dave LabowitzPersonal Growth, Scale, Start

For a long time, when people suggested I stop being a perfectionist, I rolled my eyes at them. I’d come back with a retort like, “Why would I want to be less good at what I do? By striving for perfection I achieve the best possible results!” I had perfectionism programmed into me since early childhood and I honestly thought …

Large, winding roller coaster set against a beautiful blue afternoon sky.

The Entrepreneurial Journey is a Roller Coaster. Put Your Life First.

Dave LabowitzPersonal Growth, Scale

Not All Roller Coasters are Fun “The entrepreneurial journey is a roller coaster,” they’ll tell you. “But the rewards are worth it.” I’ve heard this, or some derivative of it, more times than I can count. Some entrepreneurs really believe it while others just mouth the words. I’ve gone on the entrepreneurial journey myself a few times, so I know …

Shows a picture of a hand writing a to do list: 1) So 2) Many 3) Things

How to Stop Your To-Do List from Stressing You Out

Dave LabowitzLeadership, Personal Growth

Is your to-do list stressing you out? At one time you were excited about everything you put on your list. But now, somehow, your list is littered with… just stuff. You may not even know why some of the stuff you committed to doing is on your list! There’s so much to do! Your list is driving you forward, but …

Picture of the words "thank you" written by hand on a piece of paper. The pen is still visible in the picture and has just completed the "u" in the word "you".

A Year-End Exercise in Gratitude

Dave LabowitzLeadership, Personal Growth

It’s the end of the year! You’re probably cranking on closing contracts and projects before the holidays hit and everything goes dead. Some of you are also doing your year-end review and strategic planning for next year. I know you’re busy. Nevertheless, I’d like to add a year-end exercise in gratitude to your plate. It’ll take an hour or less …

Screen shot from Karate Kid of Daniel-son and Mr. Miyagi. Miyagi is handing Daniel-son the sponge with which to "wax on, wax off". Image is symbolic of self discipline.

How to Hack Self-Discipline

Dave LabowitzPersonal Growth

Self-discipline is like a muscle: the more you use it, the stronger it gets and the more you’ll be able to accomplish when you flex it. Getting into the habit of exercising self-discipline regularly will help you line up your behavior with your values, leading to greater happiness and more accomplishments. However, there will always be moments when engaging your …

A picture of a yellow sign with black letter. The top section of the sign says "wisdom". The bottom section of the sign says "perfectionism", with a red slash through it. The wisdom portion of the sign is in great shape with new paint. The perfectionism portion of the sign has peeling paint and looks bad.

One Simple Trick to Conquer Perfectionism

Dave LabowitzPersonal Growth

When I was a kid, my mother was never satisfied with anything I did. After getting the usual sharp criticism, often due to issues like bringing home a 98% on a test rather than a 100%, I used to defend myself by pointing out that she expected me to be perfect and that I never would be. Her response, without …

This is a picture of Steve Jobs, along with one of his quotes that reads "The only way to do great work, is to love what you do."

Do What You Love and the Money Will Follow

Dave LabowitzPersonal Growth

When my father taught me the phrase, “Do what you love and the money will follow,” I didn’t believe him. My family had very little money when I was growing up. I thought it was a cute concept, but only applicable to those with financial resources far surpassing our own. Through my teens and into my twenties, making the most …